Highland District Hospital’s Foundation hosted another successful and record-setting Holiday Ball, raising funds towards the GreatER Care Campaign, an effort to raise $1.5 million towards the renovation and expansion of the current Emergency Department at Highland District Hospital.
Hospital officials said in a press release that nearly 250 people attended the event last weekend, bidding on live and silent auction items and donating toward the cause.
“This is another great Holiday Ball, and we love this new location,” HDH Foundation Chair Vicki Rhude said, referring to Creekview Barn in Samantha.
“There are a lot of people to thank, but the heroes are all of you and the entire community. You all have been so generous and so supportive, and we can’t thank you enough,” said Rhude.
Cathy Jones, foundation director, added, “I would like to give a special thank you to everyone who helped make this year’s Holiday Ball successful. All of our sponsors, the HDH employees who volunteered their time, and the community that has been so very supportive over the years.”
This year’s event was organized by Jones and Brandy Luke, campaign coordinator. The Holiday Ball committee consists of Vicki Rhude, Mary Beth Heskett, Pam Limes, Debbie Rhude, Melinda Russell, and Susan Davis Thompson.
“I want to thank everyone from the bottom of our hearts,” Jones added. “More than 20,000 people visit our emergency room each year. We will now have private rooms, and increased safety and security in many ways. Last year, this campaign was just in the planning stages. Now, I can’t wait for the open house so all of you can see it come to fruition.”
The buffet dinner provided was prepared by Farmhouse Catering, and dessert was prepared by White’s Bakery. The night concluded with the drawing for the John Deere Gator that was donated by Five Points Implement and the HDH Foundation. The winner of the drawing was Steve Thompson, who donated the Gator back to the foundation to be auctioned off again.
